Matrix case having four independently supported quadrant structures



U Feb.3,1r97o -Amm 3,4911'00@ MATRIX CASE HAVING FOUR INDEPENDENTLY SUPPORTED QUADRANT STRUCTURES 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jul'y 26, 196e 22, /32 zag-H-Z//g ,/l/ )u 74) @COCCO O OO OQQQ 4 MOOOOOOOOOQOQOGO OOOOO o ooc U IN1/mm3, f? rw? Po 7H' BY /a 4L-ml "A, ROTH i Feb. 3, 1970 AVI FOUR INDEPENDENTLY QUADRANT STRUCTURES MATRIX CAS SUPPOR Filed J 1y 26, 1966 IN1/ENNA a@ Po 7H.

2 sheets-sheet a Y H/MXS' l' United States Patent() U.S. Cl. 199-79 8 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A matrix case including a rigid open peripheral frame, four separate quadrant structures of generally the same dimensions including a plurality of font assemblies comprising a multiplicity of character forming matrices assembled in row and column formation for limited vertical movement with respect to each other and structure formed in the peripheral frame and carried thereby for supporting the quadrant structures including the individual matrices font assemblies in assembled condition within the peripheral frame in quadrant relation with re- -spect to each other with each quadrant structure supported independently of the others so that any one of the quadrant structures may be removed from the frame and replaced without removing the others.

This invention relates to matrix cases and more particularly to improvements in matrix cases of the type disclosed in commonly assigned Patent No. 3,109,536, dated Nov. 5, 1963.

The above patent discloses a matrix case in which the matrices are arranged in 18 rows and 18 columns, the matrices being associated in 4 sections or quadrants with indifference to the set size or width of the characters represented by the matrices. With this arrangement, each quadrant includes 81 matrices, enough to constitute a substantially complete font. An 18" x 18 matrix case constructed in accordance with the teachings of `Patent No. 3,109,536 has been available commercially for use with the typecasting machine produced by Lanston Monotype Company, Division of United States Banknote Corporation under the trademark Monomatic.

The matrix case as disclosed in the aforesaid patent, as well as the commercial embodiment thereof, includes a matrix case frame and usually 324 matrices assembled as a unit within the frame. If any changes were desired in the matrices within the frame, the entire matrix case had to be disassembled. It is a very frequent occurrence that a user of a Monomatic casting machine will want to change a particular font of matrices for one of a different type design, leaving the remaining matrices of the matrix case unchanged. Because the entire matrix case had to be disassembled, a considerable change-over time was required. It had been necessary, by the practice heretofore, in order to prevent such time losses, for the user to buy duplicates of the 3 unchanged fonts to make up the different combination. This practice required the user to tie up a substantial investment in matrices in order to have an adequate selection of made-up matrix cases.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a matrix case of the type described which substantially alleviates the problems noted above. The matrix case of the present invention permits quick change-over of individual quadrants or font assemblies within the matrix case frame without disturbing the adjacent quadrants or font assemblies.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a matrix case of the type described having means for individually and separately supporting 4 quadrant struc- 3,493,100 Patented Feb. 3, 1970 ICC tures including plurality of font assemblies within a matrix case thus permitting the operator a large selection of different matrix cases which can be quickly and easily made up from different available quadrants of matrices. For example, the matrix case of the present invention would permit an operator to mix 1 quadrant of matrices supported by comb bars, of the type disclosed in Bancroft Patent No. 784,245, dated Mar. 7, 1905, with a quadrant of matrices supported by elongated round rods, as disclosed in Pierpont et al. Patent No. 1,533,456, dated Apr. 14, 1925. Moreover, where only 2 lor 3 font assemblies or quadrants of matrices are required for a particular typesetting job, a solid one-piece aluminum plate can be inserted in lieu of a quadrant of 81 matrices. Sucha plate serves only as a filler and hence can be made much lighter than 81 matrices so that during the operation of the casting machine, a great saving in wear and tear on the machine can be effected.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a matrix case having improved means for separately and independently supporting 4 quadrants of 81 matrices or an equivalent thereof, such as the above-mentioned filler plate, which will secure all of the advantages set forth above.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a matrix case of the type described which is simple in construction and economical to manufacture and maintain.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more apparent during the course of the following detailed description and appended claims.

The invention may best be understood with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein an illustrative embodiment is shown.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a matrix case em- -bodying the principles of the present invention with certain parts broken away for purposes of clearer illustration;

FIGURE 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2--2 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a `sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary isometric view of the matrix case illustrating the manner in which a single quadrant of matrices is separately and independently supported within the matrix case frame, certain parts of the quadrant of matrices and the matrix case frame` being broken away for the purpose of clearer illustration.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in FIGURE 1 thereof, a matrix case, generally indicated at 10, embodying the principles of the present invention. The matrix case 10 is adapted to be used in a typecasting machine, such as that disclosed in Patent No. 2,883,038, dated Apr. 21, 1959, and generally arranged in accordance with the teachings of Patent No. 3,109,536, dated Nov. 5, 1963.

The matrix case 10 in general includes a matrix case frame, generally indicated at 12, and 4- quadrant structures, generally indicated at 14, 16, 18, and 20, arranged to be supported within the matrix case frame 12 for independent and separate removal or assembly therein.

The quadrant structures 14, 16 and 20, as shown, constitute font assemblies, while the quadrant structure 18, as shown, constitutes a filler structure or plate.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, each font assembly may be made up separately and mounted within the matrix case frame 12 without regard to the make-up of the remaining font assemblies. With this arrangement, not only is it possible to vary the type characteristics of the matrices in one font assembly with respect to those of another font assembly, but it is likewise possible to utilize matrices which are supported within the font assembly in a different manner from those of another font assembly. Finally, it is also possible where only 2 or more of the font assemblies are to be used in a particuar typecasting job to utilize a one-piece font assembly of a weight substantially less than a font assembly of the type consisting of a multiplicity of matrices, thus saving wear and tear on the casting machine, during operation.

.In the drawings, all of these variations have been ineluded within the single matrix case for purposes of disclosing the advantages of the present invention. It will be understood that the selection of the particular cornbination of font assemblies which are to make up the matrix case is a matter within the requirements of the particular user. In the drawings, the font assemblies 14 and 16 are shown as being made up of 81 matrices supported by comb bars in the manner disclosed in the aforesaid Patent No. 784,245, -font assembly 18 is shown as a one-piece font plate used as a filler and font assembly 20 is made up of 8l matrices supported on elongated rods in the manner disclosed in the aforesaid Patent No. 1,533,456. It will be understood that the utilization of 81 matrices to make up a font assembly is illustrative only and that oversize matrices of a lesser number may also be utilized to make up the font assembly.

The matrix case frame 12 is of generally square-shaped open construction including a rst pair of parallel side frame portions 22 and a second pair of parallel side frame portions 24 extending between the ends of the side frame portions 22. One of the side frame portions 24 has an arm 26 extending outwardly from the central portion thereof which is adapted to engage the cross slide of the typecasting machine to be moved thereby in the direction of extent of the arm, the entire frame being adapted to be mounted within the sliding frame of the typecasting machine to be moved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the arm. The manner in which the matrix case is mounted within the typecasting machine is well known and conventional.

Each of the side frame portions includes a generally vertically extending interior surface, the upper interior portion of the side frame portions 22 being formed with grooves 28 therein. Extending between the side frame portions 22 is a central support member 30, each end of the support member 30 having a projection 32 adapted to seat within the associated groove 28, as best shown in FIGURE 4. As shown, the central support member 30 provides a pair of vertically extending at surfaces 34 parallel with and facing toward the flat surfaces of the adjacent side frame portions 24.

The vertical surfaces 34 terminates at their lower ends in the same horizontal plane as the surfaces of the associated side frame portions 24 and the central support member 30 includes a pair of continuous horizontally extending anges 36 providing upwardly facing font assembly supporting surfaces disposed within the aforesaid horizontal plaue. Cooperating spaced upwardly facing font assembly supporting surfaces, also in the same plane, are provided by inwardly projecting portions of a pair of bars 38 secured, by any suitable means, to the lower surfaces of the side frame portions 24.

As best shown in FIGURE 5, the bars 38 are preferably secured to the associated side frame portions 24 by a plurality of spaced bolts or rivets 40 mounted within countersunk bores 42 formed in the associated side frame portions 24 and engaged within the adjacent portions of the bars 38. It can thus be seen that the inwardly projecting portions of the bars 38 and the flanges 36 provide spaced pairs of upwardly facing surfaces each pair of which serves to support the sides of two font assemblies in side-by-side relation within an associated half of the matrix case frame 12.

Referring now more particularly to FIGURE 6, font assembly 14 is made up of 81 matrices 44. Each matrix 44 is of conventional configuration, being constructed as disclosed in the aforesaid Patent No. 784,245. As shown, each matrix 44 comprises a rectangularly shaped piece of metal, having a centering recess 46 formed in one end face thereof and a suitable character die 47 formed in the opposite end face thereof (see FIGURE 3).

A pair of bar receiving grooves 48 is formed in the central portion of opposed side faces and the opposite side faces have a pair of tooth receiving grooves 50 formed therein. The matrices 44 are arranged in substantially abutting relation in a 9 column-9 row formation and are mounted between the associated side frame portion 24 and support member 30 in supporting relation on the upwardly facing surfaces of the associated bar 38 and flange 36 so as to permit limited vertical movement of each matrix independent of the others. This mounting of the matrices 44 is accomplished by means of 7 interior comb members 52, a pair of end comb members 54, and a bar 56.

Each of the interior comb members 52 includes a bar portion 58 of a thickness generally equal to twice the depth of the associated bar receiving groove 48 and a height somewhat less than the width of the bar receiving groove 48. Each interior comb member 52 also includes a plurality of interior tooth portions 60 of a thickness substantially equal to twice the `depth of a tooth receiving groove 50 and a height somewhat less than the width of a tooth receiving groove 50. An end tooth portion 62 is formed at each end of the associated bar portion 518 having a thickness somewhat greater than the thickness of the interior tooth portions 60 and a height equal to the latter.

The end comb members 54 include interior tooth portions 64 and end tooth portions 66, of similar configuration to the tooth portions 60 and 62, respectively, and a bar portion 68 having a height similar to the bar portions 58 but a thickness substantially half of the thickness of the bar portions 58.

As can be seen in FIGURE 6, the interior comb members 52 are mounted in parallel relation with their ends supported on the upwardly working faces provided by the associated bar 38 and flange 36 with the tooth portions thereof extending in generally the same direction so that the free ends of the tooth portions of each comb member abut or substantially abut the surface of the bar portion of the adjacent comb member opposite from the surface thereof from which the tooth portions extend. There is thus provided a lattice work of bars supporting the interior matrices of the font assemblies which are disposed within the respective grooves 48 and 50 of the matrices and permitting limited independent vertical movement thereof.

One of the end comb members 54 is disposed so that the tooth portions 64 and 66- thereof extend in a direction opposite from the direction of extent of the tooth portions of the interior comb members. The bar member 56 is disposed between the free ends of the tooth portions of this end comb member and the free ends of the tooth portions of the adjacent interior comb member 52.

In order to properly position the font assembly 14 within the matrix case frame in a direction along the extent of the upwardly facing surfaces provided by the associated bar 38 and ange 36, a shim plate 70' is provided. Preferably, the shim plate 70 is mounted on the associated side frame portion 22 between the interior vertical surface of the later and the vertical surface of the bar portion of the adjacent end comb member 54.

In order to maintain the comb members in properly spaced relation and to provide for the proper positioning of the column of matrices adjacent the side frame portion 24 and the column of matrices adjacent the central support member 30, a pair of spacer comb members 72 is provided. Each comb member 72 has a thickness equal to the width of the upwardly facing surface provided by either the bar 38 or the flange 36 so as to engage between the vertical interior surface of the associated side frame portion 24 or support member 34 and the adjacent vertical surfaces of the associated column of matrices. Each spacer comb member is formed with a series of slots 74 of a size to receive the end of the bar portions extending above the associated tooth portions of the interior and end comb members.

It will be understood that the matrices of the font assembly 14 are assembled in a manner similar to that set forth in Patent No. 784,245. Preferably, the rows of matrices are lirst mounted Within the comb members and then the comb members are assembled so as to align the matrices of the rows in column formation. The assembly in this condition is then mounted within the matrix case frame 24 with the ends of the comb members and bar member 54 resting on the upwardly facing surfaces provided by the bar 38 and central support member 30', as aforesaid. After the assembled matrices have been mounted within the frame in this fashion, the spacer comb members are mounted in position and finally the shim plate 7()I is positioned adjacent the associated side frame portion 22.

It will be understood that the font assembly 16 is constructed in a manner similar to the font assembly 14 and varies therefrom solely in the character dies formed on the end faces of the matrices, as, for example, the font assembly 14 could be roman characters whereas the font assembly 16 might be italics or bold characters.

The quadrant structure 18 is a one-piece plate which is used as a filler where the particular typesetting job would require the utilization of less than 4 font assemblies of the matrices type mounted within the matrix case frame. Preferably, the filler plate is molded of a lightweight material such as aluminum or magnesium or an alloy thereof. As shown, the plate includes a main block portion 74 having a central, generally rectangularly shaped recess 76 formed in the upper surface thereof. A plurality of frusto-conical depressions 78 are formed peripherally around the recess 76, two sides of the plate portion having upstanding flanges `80 extending therealong. With this construction, the quadrant structure 18 is of adequate strength to fill out the matrix case, while at the same time being of minimum weight so as to reduce the rwear and tear on the caster machine when utilized.

The font assembly 20, like the font assemblies 14 and 16, includes a multiplicity of matrices 82 arranged in 9 rows and 9 columns and mounted for independent limited vertical movement in the manner set forth in the aforesaid Patent No. 1,533,456. As shown, each matrix 82 includes an opening 84 of circular cross-sectional configuration extending horizontally therethrough. Each row of matrices is supported by an elongated rod 86 of a circular cross-sectional configuration of a size less than that of the openings 84 in the matrices 82. The ends of the rods 86 are mounted within corresponding openings formed in a pair of side support bars 88. With this arrangement, the side support bars 88 serve to retain the assembly together as a unit for mounting within the matrix case frame between the central support member 30` and the adjacent side frame portion 24, the downwardly facing surfaces of the side support bars 88 engaging the upwardly fa-cing surfaces provided by the ange 36 and bar 38, respectively. As before, a shim plate 90 may be provided to insure a proper lit in a direction perpendicular to the extent of the rods 86.

It can thus be seen that each of the quadrant structures 14, 16, 18 and 20 are separately mounted and supported within the matrix case frame 12. In order to retain all of the quadrant structures within the matrix case frame, there is provided a pair of cover plates 92, each cover plate including two groups of circular openings 94 arranged in 9 rows and 9 columns corresponding to the matrices of the associated font assembly so as to provide access to the recesses 46 thereof. Each cover plate 92 is separately mounted on the matrix case frame 12 in overlying relation to 2 of the quadrant structures by any suitable means, such as a pair of bolts 96 extending through marginal openings formed in opposite sides of the plate and engaging within threaded apertures 98 formed in the associated side frame portion 24, as best shown in FIG- URE 5. Each cover plate 92, when properly mounted on the matrix case frame 12, includes an inner edge 100 which is disposed in a vertical plane intersecting the juncture between quadrant structures 14 and 20 and the font assemblies 16 and 18. At each end of the edge 100 there is formed a semi-circular notch 102 adapted to engage the shank portion of a location bolt 104 adapted to be threadedly engaged within an opening 106 formed in the associated side frame portion 2-4.

OPERATION The matrix case 10 of the present invention provides a matrix case frame 12 which, together with the central support member 30, serves to independently support 4 font assemblies for independent removal therefrom. With this arrangement the individual font assemblies may vary in construction, one with respect to the other, permitting interchangeable selection and utilization of such font assemblies in a quick and simple manner. Since the entire set of matrices carried by the matrix case frame need not be removed and disassembled to effect a change in a portion of the matrices provided, as was the case heretofore, the operator is afforded a greater flexibility in the choice of matrices employed without the necessity of maintaining a large inventory of matrices, as was heretofore the practice, to have available a selection of madeup matrix cases. Thus, as shown, each font assembly constituting a quadrant of the total number of matrices carried by the matrix case may be conveniently assembled individually and mounted as a unit within the matrix case frame. With this arrangement, matrices of different form and mounting structure in one font assembly rnay be utilized in the same matrix case frame with matrices of different form and mounting structure in another font assembly, as, for example, the font assemblies 14 and 20. Moreover, Where the particular typesetting job requires the utilization of only 2 or 3 of the font assemblies, a ller type structure, such as the quadrant structure 18, may be utilized thus reducing the overall weight of the matrix case 10, facilitating the operation of the typecasting machine and reducing wear and tear thereon.

With the present matrix case construction, removal of any one of the font assemblies can be easily accomplished by simply loosening the location bolts 104 and removing the associated securing bolts 96 of the cover plate 92 associated with the font assembly to be removed. Next, the shim plate (70 or 90) is removed permitting the associated font assembly to be either lifted out of the frame or to be dropped out of the frame when the latter is inverted. Once the font assembly has been removed a new font assembly may be replaced within the frame by simply dropping the new font assembly into the open quadrant of the frame, inserting the appropriate shim plate and then finally securing the associated cover plate to the matrix case frame 12 by engaging the bolts 96 within the registering openings 98 thereof and tightening the location bolts 104.

It is claimed:

1. A Imatrix case comprising a rigid open peripheral frame, four separate quadrant structures of generally the same dimensions including a plurality of font assemblies each comprising a multiplicity of character forming matrices assembled in substantial row and column formation for limited vertical movement with respect to each other, and means removably securing each quadrant structure in independently supported relation within said peripheral frame in quadrant relationship with respect to each other for independent removal and replacement of each quadrant structure with respect to the others including each of said plurality of font assemblies while in assembled condition.

2. A matrix case as defined in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a central support member extending across the central area of said peripheral frame in parallel relation to two side portions thereof, said central support member having opposed horizontally extending flanges adjacent the bottom thereof providing upwardly facing surfaces on each side of said central support member supporting adjacent marginal edge portions of said quadrant structures, means extending horizontally inwardly adjacent the bottom of said side frame portions providing upwardly facing surfaces supporting opposed adjacent marginal edge portions of said quadrant structures, and cover plate means secured to said frame in overlying relation to said quadrant structures.

3. A matrix case as defined in claim 2 wherein said cover plate means comprises a pair of apertured plates secured to said frame in substantially abutting side-byside relation with respect to each other, each of said cover plates overlying a pair of adjacent quadrant structures disposed on opposed sides of said central support member.

4. A matrix case as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said four quadrant structures comprises a one-piece filler plate constructed of a lightweight material.

5. A matrix case as defined in claim 1 wherein each matrix of each of said plurality of font assemblies comprises oppositely facing parallel row defining side surfaces and oppositely facing parallel column defining side surfaces, the matrices of each of said plurality of font assemblies being arranged in nine rows and nine columns with the side surfaces of adjacent rows and columns in substantial abutting relation.

6. A matrix case as defined in claim 5 wherein the matrices of one of said plurality of font assemblies are formed with horizontally extending grooves in the side surfaces thereof and means for assembling said grooved matrices comprising a rigid bar portion extending through the grooves in the row defining side surfaces of each adjacent pair of rows of grooved matrices, a bar portion extending through the grooves in the exterior row defining side surfaces of each exterior row of grooved matrices, said bar portions having a vertical dimension less than the vertical dimension of the grooves in the row defining side surfaces of said grooved matrices, and a tooth portion fixed to an associated lbar portion and extending through the grooves in the column defining side surfaces in each adjacent pair of grooved matrices in each row and a tooth portion fixed to an associated bar portion extending through the groove in each exterior column defining side surface of the grooved matrices of each row, said tooth Iportions having a vertical dimension less than the vertical dimension of the grooves in the column delining side surfaces of said grooved matrices, said bar portions being supported at their ends by the upwardly facing surfaces of the associated side frame portion and central support member flange.

7. A matrix case as defined in claim 5 wherein the matrices of one of said plurality of font assemblies are formed with openings extending horizontally therethrough in the direction of extent of the rows thereof, and means for assembling said apertured matrices comprising an elongated rod of a vertical dimension less than the vertical dimension of said apertures extending through the apertures of each row of matrices, and a pair of apertured side plate members receiving the ends of said rods and engaging the upwardly facing surfaces of the associated side frame portion and central support member flange.

8. A matrix case as defined in claim 6 wherein the matrices of each of said plurality of font assemblies include end surfaces having distinct character forming die cavities therein constituting a different substantially complete font of characters, the matrices of each of said plurality of font assemblies being arranged in said rows and columns with indifference to the set size or width of the character forming die cavities.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 980,959 1/1911 Indahl et a1. 199-79 1,533,456 4/1925 Pierponietal. 199-79 1,533,457 4/1925 Pierpom 199-79 3,109,536 11/1963 Roth 199-79 ROBERT E. PULFREY, Primary Examiner E. H. EICKHOLT, Assistant Examiner 

